24/7 Hotline

FAQ

Who does SAP serve?

SAP advocates for all student survivors, regardless of sexual orientation, sexual identification, and gender expression. You are not expected to “out” yourself to get support from SAP. You do not have to answer questions about your abuser’s/attacker’s name or gender if you don’t want to. We recognize that you have already been through enough and that you only need to share information that you are comfortable sharing with us.

Is SAP now a confidential resource?

Yes. Ohio University is committed to this program and took the necessary time to restructure, strength, and fortify the program and the service it provides to clients. In order to maintain confidentiality, the University hired 2 licensed independent social workers to serve as director of the program and survivor advocate/case manager. They are not required to report instances of sexual assault and can provide survivors with the necessary support and advocacy services. If you come to SAP, you will not be required to report the crime but will be supported if you choose to do so.

Are there other confidential resources on campus?

It is important to know there is no wait at CPS for someone in crisis and there is no cost to someone in crisis to use CPS (i.e. initial intakes and emergencies after-hours have no charges). CPS has no additional costs to first-year students as all services are included in The OHIO guarantee. Sophomores, juniors and seniors who have paid the wellbeing fee can access CPS for on-going services.

If someone calls CPS during normal business hours, a receptionist will answer the phone and encourage them to come to walk-in hours. After hours, the phone is answered by a licensed therapist.

Are your services free?

Yes. We provide all services free of charge to Ohio University students.

Where is your office located?

We are located in Lindley Hall offices 034 & 038. Follow the signs directing you to the “Survivor Advocacy Program” and you will find us in a private space in the back of the building.

Does SAP provide mental health counseling?

No. We provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and practical assistance. SAP will explain your options, assist you in whatever choices you make, and connect you to appropriate campus and community resources.

Ohio University’s Counseling & Psychological services provides students with mental health counseling needs. You can contact Counseling & Psychological Services at 740-593-1616. SAP can also refer you to a community organization that provides mental health counseling.

I think I am in an abusive relationship. How can SAP help?

SAP provides options, support, and safety planning at any stage of your relationship, whether you choose to leave or stay. We will talk to you about the differences between healthy and abusive relationships. In many situations, physical abuse may not have occurred but other forms of abuse are happening, such as emotional, sexual, or financial abuse.

I have a friend who was victimized. Can I bring them to see an advocate at SAP?

Yes. It is okay if your friend wants you to come with him/her/them to SAP. SAP can also provide information and guidance on ways you can help your friend if he/she/they do not want to meet with an advocate.

What are some barriers that LGBT survivors face?

In addition to feeling self-blame, shame, fear, anger, and depression like all survivors, LGBT survivors may also be led to question their sexuality and if their attack/abuse was a result of their sexuality. LGBT survivors may feel as if they are being punished for their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

When talking to others about their attack or abuse, LGBT survivors may feel as if their sexual orientation or gender identity is being focused on more than the actual assault/abuse.

LGBT survivors may be reluctant to tell family and friends who do not approve of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity because they may fear that their attack/abuse will only reinforce negative stereotypes about the LGBT community. In addition, the LGBT community may not want to admit that domestic violence or sexual assault occurs in their community for the same reason and therefore may not support the survivor.

Survivors who are not “out” may not want to seek counseling, report the assault/abuse, or talk to anyone about the assault/abuse for fear that it will mean they have to disclose their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

*Adapted from Michigan’s Sexual Assault Prevention & Awareness Center

What are some examples of abuse specific to transgender relationships?

All abuse is about power and control. LGBT survivors face the same types of physical and emotional violence that all survivors face. LGBT survivors also experience physical and emotional violence that is unique to the LGBT community. Transgendered survivors may encounter the following types of abuse:

Using offensive pronouns such as “it” to refer to the transgender partner

Ridiculing the transgender partner’s body and/or appearance

Telling the transgender partner that he or she is not a real man or woman

Denying the transgender partner’s access to medical treatment or hormones or Coercing him or her to not pursue medical treatment